How to Make Empanadas – An Authentic Empanada (Recipe Guide)

Our full recipe guide on how to make Empanadas a very popular snack from South America and Latin America.

Empanadas are a popular Latin American pastry that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from savory meats to sweet fillings. Here’s how you can make authentic empanadas with a traditional meat filling.

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How to Make Empanadas

Empanadas Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 egg
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

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Step By Step How to Make Empanadas

Step 1 – Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with water and vinegar. Add to the flour mixture, stirring until combined and the dough begins to hold together. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Pour in beef broth and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the chopped olives, hard-boiled eggs, and raisins. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3 – Assemble Empanadas

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out round disc shapes using a large cookie cutter or a bowl as a guide.

Place a spoonful of the meat filling onto the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them with a fork or folding them over decoratively.

Step 4 – Bake

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, brush the tops with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips To Make Empanadas

You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even make a vegetarian version using cheese and vegetables. Empanadas can be served hot or at room temperature. They’re great for parties or as a snack.

How Many Calories Has An Empanada

Each empanada dough typically made with flour, butter, and water can contain about 150-200 calories,
Ground Beef is around 150 calories, Onion and Olive Oil can add about 20-30 calories, Hard-Boiled Eggs are about 50-70 calories per empanada.

A typical meat-filled empanada would be 370 to 450 calories.